Good News - You Can't Sell What You Don't Have

Welcome to the August edition of Good News, the monthly newsletter of the Fairview Park church of Christ! We hope that you find the articles below helpful, edifying, and true to the Bible. If you find the articles helpful in your Bible study, please forward this e-mail to a friend. May God bless you as you study his word!

You Can’t Sell What You Don’t Have

by Jacob Hudgins

“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption”(2 Pet 2:19).

We are suspicious of salesmen. We are accustomed to the tricks of the trade—outlandish claims that don’t match reality, deals too good to be true, and terrible things in the fine print. Yet for me, one of the most important questions a salesman can answer is “Do you own one?” If someone is unwilling to use their own product, I certainly don’t need it.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Why We Should Stand Out for Christ

by Zack Howard

School is about to start, which marks a beginning of sorts for many of us. It is a beginning to a new grade, new material to learn or teach, the changing of seasons into autumn. However, as this change begins, the same expectations from God remain. Let’s look at a few examples of how God calls us to stand out for our faith.

In order to stand out for our faith, we must prepare for temptations before they come. Daniel and his friends purposed in their heart to do God’s will instead of the King’s. In this instance (Dan. 1.8-10), it meant not eating and drinking the King’s food and wine, but rather sticking to a less defiling regimen.

The Obstacle to Faith

by Jacob Hudgins

“How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”(John 5:44)

Jesus is dealing with obstinate Jews who are seeking to kill him for his Sabbath healing. They continue to reject him despite miracles and transcendent teaching. Yet Jesus stresses that a lack of faith is not the root problem. Beneath their unbelief is what they are seeking. “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”(John 5:44).

Ease

by Jacob Hudgins

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion”(Amos 6:1).

We highly value being at ease. It’s enjoyable to relax at the end of the day and to enjoy the freedom of having our movements and time unrestricted. While occasionally being at ease is not a problem, God warns us about the dangers of such living.